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Oilfield Glossary

syncline
1.  n.  [Geology] ID: 489

Basin- or trough-shaped fold in rock in which rock layers are downwardly convex. The youngest rock layers form the core of the fold and outward from the core progressively older rocks occur. Synclines typically do not trap hydrocarbons because fluids tend to leak up the limbs of the fold. An anticline is the opposite type of fold, having upwardly-convex layers with old rocks in the core.

Antonyms: anticline

See: anticline, fold, structural trap, structure, trap

Diagram of parts of synclines and anticlines
(Click to enlarge)


Diagram of parts of synclines and anticlines